Building illumination apparatus with integrated communications, security and energy management

ABSTRACT

An LED light and communication system includes one or more optical transceivers that have a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and one or more photodetectors attached thereto, and a processor in communication with the light emitting diodes and the one or more photodetectors. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. The one or more optical transceivers are engaged to a lighting fixture within a building. The one or more optical transceivers are constructed and arranged to communicate with a name tag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application No.60/931,611, filed May 24, 2007, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is generally directed tolight emitting diodes (LEDs) and applications thereof. In particular,some embodiments of the present invention are directed to using LEDs andpower line communication technology to provide internet access andcommunication capability to residential and commercial clientele.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radiofrequency transmissions may be easily intercepted, in part becauseof the fact that RF signals are designed to radiate signals in alldirections. Radiofrequency transmissions are also regulated by theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) which controls the frequenciesthat may be used by individuals. Radiofrequency transmissions are alsosusceptible to interference and produce noise.

In contrast to RF communications, light sources used for communicationare extremely secure due to the fact that they are focused within anarrow beam, requiring placement of equipment within the beam itself forinterception. Also, because the visible spectrum is not regulated by theFCC, light sources can be used for communications purposes without theneed of a license. Light sources are also not susceptible tointerference nor do they produce noise that can interfere with otherdevices.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as light sources for datatransmission, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263 and 7,046,160,the entire contents of each being expressly incorporated herein byreference. LEDs have a quick response to “ON” and “OFF” signals, ascompared to the longer warm-up and response times associated withfluorescent lighting, for example. LEDs are also efficient in producinglight, as measured in lumens per watt. Recent developments in LEDtechnology, such as high brightness blue LEDs, which in turn paved theway for white LEDs, have made LEDs a practical alternative toconventional light sources. As such, LED technology provides a practicalopportunity to combine lighting and communication. This combination oflighting and communication allows ubiquitous light sources such asstreet lights, home lighting, and office building lighting, for example,to be converted to, or supplemented with, LED technology to provide forcommunications while simultaneously producing light for illuminationpurposes.

Regarding office buildings, building management is a complex sciencewhich incorporates and governs all facets of human, mechanical andstructural systems associated with buildings. As a result of thecomplexity, most commercial buildings are managed by commercial propertymanagement companies with great expertise. Both at the time ofconstruction and throughout the life-cycle of a building, theinterrelationships between people and the mechanical and structuralsystems are most desirably evaluated. Where possible and cost-effective,human interactions with a building and associated mechanical systemswill be optimized, in turn providing the greatest benefit to both theowners and those who use the facilities afforded by the building.Noteworthy is the fact that building users may include both regularoccupants such as individual or commercial tenants, and also transientoccupants such as visitors, guests, or commercial customers.

Building management includes diverse facets, some which are simplyrepresentations of the building and associated systems and people, andother facets which are tangible. Exemplary of representations areaccounting or financial monitoring responsibilities which will includingrecord keeping control and assurance of financial transactions involvingtenants, owners, and service providers. Exemplary of the physical ortangible responsibilities are physical development and maintenance,including identification of need for features, improvements, maintenanceand the assurance of the execution of the same. As is well understood bythose highly versed in building management, the diverse responsibilitiesand extent of information required to manage a building is often quiteoverwhelming.

One very important area associated with building management is lightingor illumination. While often perceived as a simple task of providinglights, this seemingly simple task has much research and science behinda well-designed lighting system. This is because safety, productivityand general well-being of occupants depend heavily on proper lighting.

Many factors need considered at the time of construction or remodelingto facilitate proper lighting design. Intended usage of a space isimportant in illumination design consideration, since this will dictatenecessary illumination levels, times and duration of use, andanticipated cycling of the illumination. In other words, a supply closetwill not ordinarily be designed for around-the-clock illumination, andmay instead be configured to operate on a switch. The use of appropriateswitches helps to reduce the energy required for a building to functionwith occupants, and simultaneously increases the life of manyillumination components such as light sources (light bulbs andequivalents thereto) since the light sources are only requiredintermittently. As another example, a room where movies, slides,computer or other visual or audio-visual presentations are given, suchas a boardroom or classroom, will preferably have light controls such asseparate switches or switches and dimmer controls which enable theentire room to be well lit or alternatively maintain a minimum level ofillumination normally opposite to where the presentation is displayed.This minimum level of illumination enables occupants sufficient lightfor note-taking, safe movement and other important activities, withoutinterfering with the legibility of a presentation. In yet anotherexample, a primary work-space such as a desk or kitchen counter willrequire illumination that does not cast shadows on the work space whilework is being performed. Complementary illumination, such as windows orskylights, is also important in design consideration.

Nearly all public buildings rely on a great many lamps positionedthroughout the interior of the building, such as along hall corridorsand in each room, and also about the exterior. These lights havehistorically been activated manually. Architects are commonly employedto assist not only with a floor plan of physical spaces, but also withthe proper selection and layout of lighting to best complement the floorplan and usage of each space within a building. As may be appreciated,illumination of a space is determined at the time of production ofblueprints, in anticipation of construction. The illumination that hasbeen chosen for a space is essentially fixed during buildingconstruction. Changes may be made later, but not without substantialadditional expense that will, for exemplary purposes, often includeremoval of parts of or entire walls, with the accompanying disruption ofthe space. Often the space is unavailable for use during the entireduration of a remodeling project.

Further complicating the issue of illumination is the type of light bulbthat may be most appropriate for a space or location. Original electriclight bulbs were incandescent. With sufficient electrical energy, whichis converted to heat within an incandescent bulb filament, the filamentwill emit visible light. This is similar to a fire, where with enoughheat, visible light is produced. As might also be appreciated though,incandescent bulbs produce far more heat than light. The color of thelight from these bulbs is also most commonly quite yellow, casting awarm hue at a color temperature typically in the vicinity of 3,000degrees Kelvin. Warm hues are often prized in relaxed settings such asthose of a living room or dining room, more closely resembling gentlecandle light. However, in contrast thereto, work and study environmentsare more preferably illuminated with light of more blue content, moreclosely resembling daylight with color temperatures of approximately6,000 degrees Kelvin. Daylight color temperatures are not practicallyobtained using an incandescent bulb. In addition, these incandescentbulbs have only a few thousand hour life expectancy, even with more thana century of improvements, because the extreme temperatures required forthe filament to light also gradually evaporates the filament material.Finally, the thermal mass of the filament greatly influences how quicklythe filament both illuminates and extinguishes. In spite of the manylimitations, incandescent bulbs are still in fairly wide-spread usetoday.

An alternative to incandescent light bulbs in common use today is thefluorescent bulb. A fluorescent light bulb uses a small amount ofmercury in vapor state. High voltage electricity is applied to themercury gas, causing the gas to ionize and generate some visible light,but primarily UltraViolet (UV) light. UV light is harmful to humans,being the component that causes sun burns, so the UV component of thelight must be converted into visible light. The inside of a fluorescenttube is coated with a phosphorescent material, which when exposed toultraviolet light glows in the visible spectrum. This is similar to manyglow-in-the-dark toys and other devices that incorporate phosphorescentmaterials. As a result, the illumination from a fluorescent light willcontinue for a significant time, even after electrical power isdiscontinued, which for the purposes of the present disclosure will beunderstood to be the latent period or latency between the change inpower status and response by the phosphor. As the efficiencies andbrightness of the phosphors has improved, so in many instances have thedelays in illumination and extinguishing, or latency, increased. Throughthe selection of ones of many different modern phosphorescent coatingsat the time of manufacture, fluorescent bulbs may manufactured thatproduce light from different parts of the spectrum, resulting inmanufacturing control of the color temperature, or hue or warmness of abulb.

The use of fluorescent bulbs, even though quite widespread, iscontroversial for several reasons. One source states that all pre-1979light ballasts emit highly toxic Polychlorinated BiPhenyls (PCBs). Evenif modern ballasts are used, fluorescent bulbs also contain a small butfinite amount of mercury. Even very small amounts of mercury aresufficient to contaminate a property. Consequently, both the manufactureand disposal of mercury-containing fluorescent tubes is hazardous.Fluorescent lighting has also been alleged to cause chemical reactionsin the brain and body that produce fatigue, depression,immuno-suppression, and reduced metabolism. Further, while the phosphormaterials may be selected to provide hue or color control, this hue isfixed at the time of manufacture, and so is not easily changed to meetchanging or differing needs for a given building space.

Other gaseous discharge bulbs such as halide, mercury or sodium vaporlamps have also been devised. Halide, mercury and sodium vapor lampsoperate at higher temperatures and pressures, and so present undesirablygreater fire hazards. In addition, these bulbs present a possibility ofexposure to harmful radiation from undetected ruptured outer bulbs.Furthermore, mercury and sodium vapor lamps generally have very poorcolor-rendition-indices, meaning the light rendered by these bulbs isquite different from ordinary daylight, distorting human colorperception. Yet another set of disadvantages has to do with the startingor lighting of these types of bulbs. Mercury and sodium vapor lamps bothexhibit extremely slow starting times, often measured by many minutes.The in-rush currents during starting are also commonly large. Many ofthe prior art bulbs additionally produce significant and detrimentalnoise pollution, commonly in the form of a hum or buzz at the frequencyof the power line alternating current. In some cases, such asfluorescent lights, ballasts change dimension due to magnetostrictiveforces. Magnetic field leakage from the ballast may undesirably coupleto adjacent conductive or ferromagnetic materials, resulting in magneticforces as well. Both types of forces will generate undesirable sound.Additionally, in some cases a less-optimal bulb may also produce abuzzing sound.

When common light bulbs are incorporated into public and privatefacilities, the limitations of prior art bulb technologies often willadversely impact building occupants. As just one example, in one schoolthe use of full-spectrum lamps in eight experimental classroomsdecreased anxiety, depression, and inattention in students with SAD(Seasonal Affective Disorder). The connection between lighting andlearning has been conclusively established by numerous additionalstudies. Mark Schneider, with the National Clearinghouse for EducationalFacilities, declares that ability to perform requires “clean air, goodlight, and a quiet, comfortable, and safe learning environment.”Unfortunately, the flaws in much of the existing lighting have been madeworse as buildings have become bigger. The foregoing references toschools will be understood to be generally applicable to commercial andmanufacturing environments as well, making even the selection of typesof lights and color-rendition-indexes very important, again dependingupon the intended use for a space. Once again, this selection will befixed, either at the time of construction when a particular lightingfixture is installed, or at the time of bulb installation, either in anew fixture or with bulb replacements.

A second very important area associated with building management isenergy management. The concern for energy management is driven by theexpense associated with energy consumed over the life of a building.Energy management is quite challenging to design into a building,because many human variables come into play within different areaswithin a building structure. Considering the foregoing discussion oflighting, different occupants will have different preferences andhabits. Some occupants may regularly forget to turn off lights when aspace is no longer being occupied, thereby wasting electricity anddiminishing the useful life of the light bulbs. In another instance, oneoccupant may require full illumination for that occupant to operateefficiently or safely within a space, while a second occupant might onlyrequire a small amount or local area of illumination. Furthercomplicating the matter of energy management is the fact that manycommercial establishments may have rates based upon peak usage. Abusiness with a large number of lights that are controlled with a commonswitch may have peak demands large relative to total consumption ofpower, simply due to the relatively large amount of power that will rushin to the circuit. Breaking the circuit into several switches may notadequately address inrush current, since a user may switch more than oneswitch at a time, such as by sliding a hand across several switches atonce. Additionally, during momentary or short-term power outages, thestart-up of electrical devices by the power company is known to causemany problems, sometimes harming either customer equipment or powercompany devices. Control over inrush current is therefore verydesirable, and not economically viable in the prior art.

Energy management also includes consideration for differences intemperature preferred by different occupants or for differentactivities. For exemplary purposes, an occupant of a first office spacewithin a building may prefer a temperature close to 68 degreesFahrenheit, while a different occupant in a second office space mayprefer a temperature close to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The first andsecond office spaces may even be the same office space, just atdifferent times of day. For exemplary purposes, an employee working in amail room from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. may be replaced by a different mailroom employee who works from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. Heating, Ventilation,and Air Conditioning (HVAC) demand or need is dependent not only uponthe desired temperature for a particular occupant, but also upon thenumber of occupants within a relatively limited space. In other words, asmall room with many people will require more ventilation and lessheating than that same room with only one occupant.

With careful facility design, considerable electrical and thermal energycan be saved. Proper management of electrical resources affects everyindustry, including both tenants and building owners. In many instancesfacility design has been limited to selection of very simple or basicswitches, and thermostats, and particular lights, all fixed at the timeof design, construction or installation. A third very important areaassociated with building management is security. Continuing to use aschool as but one example of a public building, a one-room countryschool fifty years ago was made up of one teacher who knew well thesmall number of pupils. Security consisted of a simple padlock on awooden door. The several windows on one side of the room provided light.They were locked but almost never broken into, for nothing of majorvalue, even during the Depression, enticed potential thieves.

Architecture changed as the years passed. Buildings were enlarged asschool populations increased. Students started to conceal books,outerwear, valuables, and occasionally even weapons in enclosed lockers.Indoor lighting was required. Eventually as society became morehazardous, security had to be provided in many schools in the form ofpersonnel who were required to patrol both outside and inside schools inorder to provide a measure of safety.

In many public buildings, including schools, modern security presentlyscreens a building's occupants to ensure that they belong or have properauthorization to enter the building. Security must also check forweapons, drugs, and even explosives. Thus, modern security personnel areoften responsible for property as well as people. As the types ofpotential perils increase, so does the need for personnel, to processoccupants through more and more stations. For exemplary purposes, inschools, airports, court houses, and other public facilities, one ormore guards may check identification, admission badges or paperwork,while one or more other guards monitor metal detectors. One or moreadditional guards may be monitoring drug sniffing dogs or equipment, orspot checking bags. Unfortunately, the possibilities of duplicationand/or forgery of credentials, or of hostile powers infiltratingsecurity, or other criminal methods demonstrate the potential weaknessesof the present system, which depends upon a large number of securityemployees. Motion sensors and other prior art electronic securitymeasures, while often beneficial, occasionally fail even when used incombination with security personnel to provide adequate protection. Onthe outside of a building, motion sensors may be activated by strongwinds, stray animals, passing vehicles, or blowing debris. Inside, theyoperate only for a specific time; a room's occupant, if not movingabout, may suddenly be in the dark and must re-activate the light bywaving or flailing about.

An increasingly complex, and therefore hazardous, society requiresincreasingly extensive patrols and safeguards. Current security system,which must rely on increasing the numbers of guards and securitydevices, are subject to inherent defects and extraordinary expense,generally rendering them inadequate even with the best of intention.

Yet another very important area associated with building management isguidance control and indication, which impacts building security, aswell as building convenience and efficiency for occupants. In buildingshaving many alternative hallways or paths, such as are commonly found inhospitals and other large public facilities, directions are often clumsyand difficult for visitors or emergency personnel to follow.Old-fashioned directories may be hard to locate or decipher, especiallyfor non-English speakers or for persons with little or no time, againsuch as emergency personnel. Consequently, some buildings provide colorstripes along walls that serve as color coding to guide visitors tovarious areas within the building. Unfortunately, the number of colorstripes that may be patterned is quite limited, and the expense anddefacing of appearance associated therewith is undesirable. Furthermore,such striping does not completely alleviate confusion, and the colorstripes can only serve as general guides to commonly visited areas.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a)exists.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification isprovided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. §1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to the patent application entitled “LEDLight Communication System,” attorney docket number N53.2-10241-US06,filed contemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. The present application is also related to thepatent application entitled “LED Light Dongle Communication System,”attorney docket number N53.2-10241-US07, filed contemporaneouslyherewith, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Also the present application is related to the patent applicationentitled “LED Light Interior Room and Building Communication System,”attorney docket number N53.2-10241-US09, filed contemporaneouslyherewith, which is incorporated by reference herein it its entirety.Further the present application is also related to the patentapplication entitled “LED Light Broad Band Over Power Line CommunicationSystem,” attorney docket number N53.2-10241-US10, filedcontemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. The present application is also related to the patentapplication entitled “LED Light Global Positioning And RoutingCommunication System,” attorney docket number N53.2-10241-US11, filedcontemporaneously herewith, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

Applicant additionally incorporates by reference herein patentapplication Ser. No. 10/646,853, filed Aug. 22, 2003, which claims thebenefit of provisional patent application Nos. 60/405,592 and60/405,379, both filed Aug. 23, 2002, the disclosures of all three beingexpressly incorporated herein by reference. Further, Applicantincorporates by reference herein patent application Ser. No. 12/032,908,filed Feb. 18, 2008, which is continuation of patent application Ser.No. 11/433,979, filed May 15, 2006, which is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 11/102,989, filed Apr. 11, 2005, now issued U.S.Pat. No. 7,046,160, which is a division of patent application Ser. No.09/993,040, filed Nov. 14, 2001, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,263,which claims the benefit of provisional patent application No.60/248,894, filed Nov. 15, 2000, the entire contents of each beingexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

According to the invention, there is provided a light emitting diode(LED) signal light and systematic information transfer through encryptedpulsed light communication system which may be depicted in severalembodiments. In general, the signal light and pulsed light communicationsystem may be formed of a single row, single source, or an array oflight emitting diode light sources configured on a light support and inelectrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery,or other electrical source. The signal light and pulsed lightcommunication system may provide various light signals, colored lightsignals, or combination or patterns of light signals for use inassociation with the communication of information. These light signalsmay also be encoded. Additionally, the signal light and pulsed lightcommunication system may be capable of displaying symbols, characters,or arrows. Rotating and oscillating light signals may be produced bysequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light supportin combination with the provision of variable light intensity from thecontroller. However, the signal light and pulsed light communicationsystem may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. Thesignal light and pulsed light communication system may also be easilytransportable and may be conveniently connected to a stand such as atripod for electrical coupling to a power supply, battery, or otherelectrical source as a remote stand-alone signaling or communicationdevice.

The signal light and pulsed light communication system may beelectrically coupled to a controller used to modulate, pulse, or encode,the light generated from the light sources to provide for variouspatterns or types of illumination to transmit messages.

Individual light supports as a portion of the communication system maybe positioned adjacent to, and/or be in electrical communication withanother light support, through the use of suitable electricalconnections. Alternatively, individual light supports may be incommunication with each other exclusively through the transmission andreceipt of pulsed light signals.

A plurality of light supports or solitary light sources may beelectrically coupled in either a parallel or series manner to acontroller. The controller is also preferably in electricalcommunication with the power supply and the LED's, to regulate ormodulate the light intensity for the LED light sources. The individualLED's and/or arrays of LED's may be used for transmission ofcommunication packets formed of light signals.

The controller for the LED light support may generate and/or recognizepulsed light signals used to communicate information. The LED lightsystem may also include a receptor coupled to the controller, where thereceptor is constructed and arranged for receipt of pulsed LED lightsignals for conversion to digital information, and for transfer of thedigital information to the controller for analysis and interpretation.The controller may then issue a light signal or other communicationsignal to an individual to communicate the content of receivedinformation transmitted via a pulsed LED light carrier.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the Communication System.

FIG. 2A is an environmental view of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a name tag in an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2C is a detailed view of an LED light source in any exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 6 is an environmental view of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting light sources in communication with abroadband over power line service.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting an energy management scheme.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting an energy management scheme.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting an energy management scheme.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED Communication System, depicting an exemplary security screeningprocess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in thefigures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

In each of the embodiments discussed below, the LEDs may be formed ofthe same or different colors. The controller may be configured to selectthe color of the LEDs to be illuminated forming the light signal.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment 110 of an LED light andcommunication system. FIG. 1 shows a server PC 112 connected via a USBcable 114 to a server optical transceiver (XCVR) 116, and a client PC118 connected via a USB cable 120 to a client optical transceiver 122.The server PC 112 is in communication with a network 123 via a CAT-5cable, for example. The server optical XCVR and the client optical XCVRare substantially similar in at least one embodiment. An exemplaryoptical XCVR (or, simply, “XCVR”) circuit includes one or more LEDs 124for transmission of light and one or more photodetectors 126 forreceiving transmitted light. LEDs and photodetectors are well known tothose of ordinary skill in the art and, as such, their specificoperation will not be described in detail. The term “photodetector”includes “photodiodes” and all other devices capable of converting lightinto current or voltage. The terms photodetector and photodiode are usedinterchangeably hereafter. The use of the term photodiode is notintended to restrict embodiments of the invention from using alternativephotodetectors that are not specifically mentioned herein.

In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an RS232 to USBconversion module. The transmit pin on the USB conversion module drivesthe driver electronics for the LEDs. In some embodiments, the XCVRcircuit includes high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments it may bedesirable to use high intensity LEDs to enhance lighting, to improvedata transmission, or both. In at least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC, 3amp power supply is sufficient for powering an array of high intensityLEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an amplifier foramplifying the optical signal received by the photodiode. The output ofthe amplifier may be fed into level shifting circuitry to raise thesignal to TTL levels, for example. The signal is then fed into thereceive pin of the RS232 to USB module.

In some embodiments, a 9V battery can be used to power the amplifiercircuitry. Significant noise is generated by switching high brightnessLEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for example. Powering theamplifier with a battery can reduce these noise problems by reducing orremoving transients.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can both emit andreceive light. In such an embodiment, the LED can act both as atransmitter or receiver. More information on such bi-directional LEDscan be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the entire contents of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In at least one embodiment, the optical XCVRs, or circuitry attachedthereto, include modulation circuitry for modulating a carrier signalwith the optical signal. Modulation can be used to eliminate biasconditions caused by sunlight or other interfering light sources.Digital modulation can be accomplished by using phase-shift keying,amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, quadrature modulation,or any other digital modulation technique known by those of ordinaryskill. Similarly, such XCVRs can include demodulation circuitry thatextracts the data from the received signal. Modulation and demodulationtechniques for modulating light signals are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,732,310, 5,245,681, and 6,137,613, the entire contents of each beingexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

It may be desirable in some embodiments to further include filters orfilter circuitry to prevent unwanted light from being amplified. Forexample, the optical baseband signal can be modulated at 100 kHz andthen transmitted. The XCVR that receives the 100 kHz modulated signalcan include a filter stage centered at 100 kHz. The filtered 100 kHzsignal can then be input into the amplifier circuitry, therebypreventing amplification of unwanted signals. In some embodiments, itcan be desirable to amplify the transmitted signal first, and thenfilter out the baseband signal.

Additional information regarding data communication can be found inInternational Publication Number WO 99/49435, the entire contents ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment of the present invention, security badges, IDbadges, communications badge, badge, or name tags, these terms beingused interchangeably hereafter, can include optical XCVRs, as shown inFIG. 2A. The optical XCVR of a user's security badge 170 communicateswith the optical XCVRs 160 that are also acting as room lighting, halllighting, or other lighting 161 in a customer's facility, as shown inFIG. 2A. Of course, the optical XCVRs can be placed in numerous otherlocations as lighting sources. Using the XCVRs as light sources canreduce energy consumption and simplify communications by reducing thefiltering or modulation complexities necessary to distinguish datasignals from extraneous lighting sources. As shown in FIG. 2A, a user isshown with a name tag 170 that is broadcasting and receiving data overan optical link 156 using the XCVR described in FIG. 2A to a ceilingmounted fixture. Badge 170 is pinned to, affixed with or otherwisetransported by a person, in the embodiment as illustrated as areplacement for standard security identification badges.

Badge 170 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 2B, and may includefeatures commonly found in standard security identification badges,including but not limited to such attributes as a photograph 1100 of theperson assigned to the badge, and indicia such as employeeidentification or number 1200, name 1220, and business or entity logos1240. Business or entity logos 1240, or other components may integrateanti-counterfeiting technology as may be available or known for suchdiverse applications as passports, driver's licenses, currency and otherapplications. Commonly used devices include holograms, watermarks,special materials or unique threads, and embedded non-alterableelectronic, visible, sonic or other identification codes. An opticaltransmitter 1300 and receiver 1320 are most preferably provided andenable communication over optical communications channel 156. Amicrophone, loudspeaker, microphone and speaker combination, ordual-purpose device 1400 may be provided to integrate an auditorycommunication channel between communication badge 170 and nearby livingbeings or other animate or inanimate objects. A video camera 1420 may beincorporated to capture video or still pictures. A video display 1500may additionally be incorporated into communication badge 170,permitting information 1520 to be displayed thereon, which could forexemplary purposes could comprise either text or graphics.

Depending upon the intended application for which communication badge170 is being designed, to include such ordinary factors as cost anddesired features, and also upon the size of communication badge 170 andavailable video resolution within video display 1500, photograph 1100may in some cases be eliminated and replaced entirely by an electronicrepresentation displayed within video display 1500 either continuouslyor upon request or polling. Similarly, indicia such as employeeidentification or number 1200, name 1220, and business or entity logos1240 may also be provided either as illustrated in FIG. 2B, or inanother embodiment solely upon video display 1500.

Biometric detectors and systems may be employed within or in associationwith communication badge 170. For exemplary purposes, but not limitedsolely thereto, a fingerprint reader or other biometric detector may beincorporated within badge 170. In such case, periodic or action-drivenre-activation may be required to verify that badge 170 is still inproper possession of the person assigned therewith. For exemplarypurposes, when a particularly sensitive area is being accessed, or abuilding first entered, the security system in accord with an embodimentof the present invention may communicate through badge 170 to person andrequire a fingerprint verification scan. Other biometric indicators maynot require active confirmation, and more than one biometric indicatormay be incorporated herein.

Communication badge 170 communicates with XCVR 160 in LED light source161. LED light source 161, illustrated by magnified view in FIG. 2C as abody 2050 that incorporates at least one, and preferably a plurality ofLEDs and optical detectors. One or more photodetectors 2200 may beprovided, and may either be broad spectrum detectors or alternativelycolor-filtered or sensitive to only a single color. The detector will beany of the myriad known in the art, the particular selection which willbe determined by well-known considerations such as sensitivity,reliability, availability, cost and the like.

As illustrated, LEDs are in clusters of three. In accord with thepresent invention, these LEDs are RGB LEDs, designating that theyinclude red, blue and green which are the primary additive colors fromwhich all other colors including white may be produced. For exemplarypurposes only, LED 2100 may generate red light, commonly ofapproximately 650 nanometer wavelength, LED 2120 may generate bluelight, commonly of approximately 475 nanometer wavelength, and LED 2140may generate green light, commonly of approximately 565 nanometerwavelength. LEDs 2100-2140 may be discrete components, or mayalternatively be integrated onto a common die and take the physical formof a single LED. Furthermore, more than one RGB LED may be integratedupon a single die or within a common package, as may be deemed mostappropriate by a manufacturer. A plurality of RGB LEDs may also beprovided upon or within a single body 2050, as illustrated in FIG. 2C byRGB LEDs 2100′, 2120′ and 2140′. In practice, there is no limit to thenumber of RGB LEDs that may be used, other than physical size andavailable space limitations, and thermal dissipation capacity and powerrequirement constraints.

By controlling the relative power applied to each one of the RGB LEDs2100-2140, different colors may be produced. This concept is well-knownas the RGB model, and is used today in nearly all video displays. Colortelevisions and computer monitors, for example, incorporate very smallred, green and blue (RGB) dots adjacent to each other. To produce whiteregions on the screen, all three RGB dots are illuminated. Black dotsare the result of none of the RGB dots being illuminated. Other colorsare produced by illuminating one or more of the dots at differentrelative levels, or alternatively controlling how many closely adjacentdots of one primary color are fully illuminated relatively to the othertwo primary colors.

Through the use of RGB LEDs, color temperature of an LED light panel2000 may be adjusted or controlled, and may be varied in real timewithout making any hardware or apparatus changes. Instead, power appliedto the RGB LEDs is adjusted to favor one or another of the RGB LEDs2100-2140. Since the light emitted from the RGB LEDs is approximatelyfull-spectrum light, the color-rendering index may also be relativelyhigh, particularly when compared to mercury or sodium vapor lamps,making the light feel very natural.

While human eyes are substantially more tolerant of visible light, andwhile visible light intensity is readily discerned by humans, there issome description in the prior art of potential hazards associated withextreme intensity blue-wavelength illumination. In an embodiment of theinvention, safeguards may be programmed or designed into the control ofRGB LEDs 2100-2140 to prevent occurrence of conditions that could leadto blue-light hazard or other safety hazard that might potentiallyexist.

While other options exist for producing white light from LEDs, the useof an RGB LED absent of phosphors is preferred for most applications ofthe present invention. Not only is color of the light easily controlledusing well-known RGB technology, but also by their very nature phosphorstend to slow down the rate at which an LED may be illuminated andextinguished due to phosphor latencies. For the purposes of the presentinvention, where an optical communications channel 156 is createdbetween XCVR 161 and one or more communications badges 170, higher datatransfer rates may be obtained with more rapid control of illuminationlevels. Consequently, if phosphors are used in the generation of lightfrom LED light source 161, and if faster data exchange rates throughoptical communications channel 156 are desired, these phosphors willpreferably be very fast lighting and extinguishing.

A variety of physical and electrical configurations are contemplatedherein for LED light source 161. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, light source161 may replace a standard fluorescent tube light fixture. This can beaccomplished by replacing the entire fixture such that ballasts andother devices specific to fluorescent lighting are replaced. In manycases, this will be the preferred approach. The fixture may then bewired for any suitable or desired voltage, and where a voltage orcurrent different from standard line voltage is used, transformers orpower converters or power supplies may be provided. When a building iseither initially being constructed, or so thoroughly remodeled toprovide adequate replacement of wires, the voltage may be generated intransformers that may even be provided outside of the occupied space,such as on the roof, in a utility room, basement or attic. In additionto other benefit, placement in these locations will further reducerequirements for air conditioning.

As efficiencies of light generation by LEDs are now beginning to surpassfluorescent tubes, such entire replacement is more economical. However,total replacement of such fixtures is not the only means contemplatedherein. Any lesser degree of replacement is also considered inalternative embodiments. For exemplary purposes, the physical reflectorscommonly associated with fluorescent fixtures may be preserved, and thefixture simply rewired to bypass any ballasts or starter circuitry thatmight be present. In this case, line voltage, such as 120 VAC at 60Hertz in the United States, may pass through the electrical connectorpins. LED base 2050, in such case, may be designed to insert directlyinto a standard fluorescent socket, such as, for exemplary purposes onlyand not limited thereto, the standard T8 and T12 sockets used in theUnited States. In such case, either RGB LEDs 2100-2140 are arranged andwired to directly operate from line voltage, or appropriate electronicswill need to be provided directly in LED base 2050 to provide necessarypower conversion. In yet another conceived alternative embodiment, powerconversion may be provided through switching-type or other powerconversion circuitry to alleviate the need for any rewiring, though inthese instances the power conversion circuitry will need to accommodatethe particular type of ballast already in place.

Where other types of fixtures already exist, such as standardincandescent Edison screw bases, LED bulbs may similarly accommodate thefixture. For incandescent replacement, no rewiring or removal ofballasts is required, since line voltage is applied directly toincandescent fixtures. Consequently, appropriate conversion may in oneconceived alternative embodiment simply involve the replacement of abulb with no fixture or wiring alterations.

For LED light source 161 to replace an existing bulb, regardless oftype, and benefit from the many features enabled in the preferredembodiment, communications circuitry must also be provided. Thiscommunications circuitry is necessary to properly illuminate each of thered, green and blue LEDs to desired color, to transport data throughoptical communication channel 156.

In accord with a preferred method of the invention, LEDs are used totransmit through optical communication channel several kinds of data,including identity, location, audio and video information. The use of anoptical communications link provides large available bandwidth, which inturn permits multiple feeds of personal communication between LED lightsources and badges similar to or in excess of that of cell phones. Theoptical data is transferred at rates far in excess of those detectableby the human eye, and so a person is not able to detect any visiblechanges as the data is being transferred. Additionally, because opticalillumination is constrained by opaque objects such as walls, thelocation of a badge and associated person can be discerned to aparticular room, hallway or other similar space.

In contrast, prior art GPS systems and cell phone triangulationtechniques are typically only accurate to one or several hundred feet.Horizontally, this prior art precision is adequate for manyapplications. However, vertically several hundred feet could encompasstwenty floors in an office or apartment building. The preferredembodiment, capable of precision to a room or light fixture, thereforehas much more exact pinpointing than hitherto available. It can locate aperson immediately, even in a large area and/or among a large crowd, andcan keep track of a large population simultaneously. As noted, the largebandwidth permits video signals to be integrated with badge location andmovement, providing the opportunity to create audio-video records thatare fixed in time and location.

Since location may be relatively precisely discerned, opticaltransmitter 1300 or LEDs 2100-2140 of FIG. 2B may in one embodiment beconfigured to change color, flash, or otherwise be visually changed ormanipulated to assist with directional guidance, personnel or intruderidentification, energy management, or to facilitate the meeting andconnection of individuals. To achieve these objectives, a building needsto be wired only for lights, saving a huge infrastructure of other wiresand fixtures.

Some embodiments of the name tag 70 XCVR include any or all of thefollowing devices: a microphone 172, a speaker 174, a rechargeablebattery 176, and a video camera 178, as shown in the simplified blockdiagram of FIG. 3. In at least one embodiment, the microphone is incommunication with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown) forconverting the analog speech input to a digital signal. An amplifiercircuit 180 can be used to boost the microphone signal. The signal canbe amplified prior to or after the ADC. In some embodiments, the speakeris communication with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)(not shown) forconverting the received digital signal to an analog output. An amplifiercircuit 182 can be used to boost the speaker signal. The signal can beamplified prior to or after the DAC. The processor 184 shown in FIG. 3converts the digital signals from the microphone/amplifier to datapackets that can be used for transmission by the optical XCVR.Similarly, the processor converts the data packets received by theoptical XCVR to audio out signals directed to the speaker. The processorcan convert data packets received from or directed to the video camera.The term “processor” as used herein refers to a processor, controller,microprocessor, microcontroller, or any other device that can executeinstructions, perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and writeto memory, interface with peripheral devices, etc.

In such an embodiment, the user can use the name tag as a communicationdevice. Alternatively, the user may use the name tag to stream music, orvideo if a display is included. Furthermore, the optical XCVR can alsoinclude non-volatile memory (FLASHRAM, EEPROM, and EPROM, for example)that can store firmware for the optical XCVR, as well as textinformation, audio signals, video signals, contact information for otherusers, etc., as is common with current cell phones. While a hard-drivemay be used instead of these semiconductor-based memory devices,hard-drives may be impractical in some embodiments based on their size,access times, as well as their susceptibility to jarring.

The optical XCVR includes one or more photodetectors 126 for receivingtransmitted LED or other light signals, and one or more LEDs 124 fortransmitting LED signals, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, anoptical signal amplifier 186 is in communication with the photodetectorsto increase the signal strength of the received light signals. In atleast one embodiment, the LEDs are in operative communication with anLED power driver 188, ensuring a constant current source for the LEDs.

In some embodiments, the name tag may include circuitry that performsmodulation, demodulation, data compression, data decompression, upconverting, down converting, coding, interleaving, pulse shaping, andother communication and signal processing techniques, as are known bythose of ordinary skill in the art.

In at least one embodiment, the name tag of FIG. 2B is embedded with aunique code, similar in principle to the MAC address of a computer, forexample. Thus, every name tag has a unique identifier. The name tagbroadcasts the unique code at regular intervals, or irregular intervalsif desired. Optical XCVRs located within the user's building and nearthe user can then receive the unique code transmitted by the name tag.

There are numerous applications of such a design. For example, in someembodiments, an optical XCVR is engaged to a door lock. When a user witha name tag approaches a locked door, the name tag broadcasts the uniquecode, and an optical XCVR in communication with the door lock receivesthe code, and if acceptable, unlocks or opens the door. A table ofacceptable codes may be stored in a memory device that is incommunication with, and accessible by, the door's optical XCVR.Alternatively, the door's optical XCVR may transmit a code to a centralstation which compares the user's code against a table of approved codesand then sends a response either allowing or denying access.

As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical wiring in the hallways and/or roomsmay include BOPL. As such, the name tag may be used to provide access tothe Internet via the optical XCVRs in the hallways and rooms. A personwalking down the hallway may receive a phone call on their name tag froma person on the other side of the world as long as the other person wasusing the Internet to communicate and knew the unique code of the nametag. Such communication is possible because the Internet is based upontransmission of packetized data, a form ideally suited for use with anoptical XCVR.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block schematic diagram of an electricalcircuit used to couple power and data to one or a plurality of LED lightsources 161. Power, which may be either AC or DC current is coupledthrough a power line bridge 150 with data from a network cable input,for example. The source of the data is not critical to the operation ofthe present invention, but may include various computer outputs such asmight, for exemplary purposes, include control processor output ornetwork connections such as commonly found on Local Area Networks (LAN),Wide Area Networks (WAN) or through the Internet. In accord with oneembodiment, the wiring between power line bridge 150 and LED lightsource 161 is shielded by passing through a conduit or the like,defining a Shielded Broadband-over-Power-Line (S-BPL) connection that isboth resistant to interfering communications and also produces almost noradiant energy.

In at least one embodiment, the name tag may be used in conjunction withthe LED lighting in hallways, rooms, etc. to reduce energy consumption,as shown in FIG. 5. For example, all the lights in a hallway may have astandby setting such that they are relatively dim or even off. As aperson with a name tag proceeds down a hallway, the lights in front ofthe person turn on in response to a transmitted signal (e.g. the uniquecode of the name tag). As the person moves beyond a light, the lightreturns to its standby setting of dim/off brightness through a signalcommunicated from a XCVR at a sufficiently remote location to includethat the individual has passed, and is no longer present at thisparticular location. The presence of an individual proximate to an XCVRmay be determined by either recognition of a signal or through thefailure to continue to recognize a signal or by a proximity calculationas based on a controller receiving a signal from a remote location whichindicates recognition of a name tag. A proximity is then calculatedwhere initial or previous XCVR light sources are extinguished as anindividual passes a particular location. In other embodiments, thelights can gradually become brighter, as a percentage of fullbrightness, as a person approaches, and then gradually dim, as apercentage of full brightness, as a person moves away based on proximitycalculation as earlier described.

The lights shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, will have AC wiring with data carriers such as S-BPL, andstatic locations encoded into the system. Thus a person 190 entering ahallway 192 with a communications badge 170 could use only those lightsneeded for his travel. As the person progresses toward a destination,the lights behind may be no longer needed and so may be programmed toturn off. These lights could function variably from 10 to 100% asneeded, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, the person 190 is approximatelyadjacent to light 505 and traveling in the direction shown by arrow 15towards light 506. From this position, person 190 might prefer to beable to see into the branching corridor containing lights 509-511. Withappropriate central computer control and programming which will bereadily understood and achieved by those skilled in the computer arts,the illumination of these neighboring lights can be increased, toprovide sufficient illumination to ensure the safety of person 190.Since different persons will have different desires regarding the extentof adjacent illumination, an embodiment of the present invention mayincorporate custom programming of such features by individual person190, or within standard preset selections, such as “cautious” where arelatively large number of lights are illuminated adjacent to person190, or “carefree,” where only a minimum number of lights areilluminated. Again, the level of illumination may additionally vary withrelation to the person, the geometry of the building space, in accordwith personal preferences, or for other reasons.

When person 190 has traveled farther, lights 509-511 may beextinguished, in effect providing a moving “bubble” of illuminationsurrounding person. Other lights are automatically shut-off or dimmed asdesired and controlled by program. As FIG. 5 illustrates, lights withinroom 20 may similarly be activated and controlled, so for exemplarypurposes as illustrated, light 531 may be at full intensity, lights521-530 may be extinguished completely, and light 520 may be operatingin a greatly dimmed state, but still providing adequate lighting to easeperson 190.

The present invention reduces the extent of human interaction requiredto control various functions such as light switches and thermostats,while simultaneously increasing the capabilities of such controls.Individual or selected groups of lights may be selectively configuredfor optimal physiological and psychological effects and benefits for oneor more applications, and then may be readily reconfigured withoutchanges to physical structures for diverse applications having differentrequirements for optimal physiological and/or psychological effects andbenefits.

Energy management is not solely limited to total power consumption. Peakinrush current is also an important factor monitored by many utilitycompanies. This is the peak power draw of the power customer, forexemplary purposes within each twenty-four hour period. By controllingthe timing of illumination and other equipment start-up, electrical drawmay be gradually ramped up. Many devices initially draw more power atstart-up than when operational. So, since each light is individuallyaddressed and controlled and appliances or machines may similarly becontrolled, the communications afforded by the present invention permitmuch smaller banks of devices to be started, allowing those devices tosurge and then settle to lower energy requirements before starting thenext bank of devices. Some devices and machines very quickly drop downto lower power draw. LED light sources are such a device. Banks of thesemay very quickly and sequentially be started. Other devices, such aselectrical compressors found in heat pumps, refrigeration and airconditioning units, may require much more time for start-up, beforeadditional devices should be started. Likewise, the particular order ofstart-up may be optimized for the various electrical loads found withina building. All of this is readily accomplished through simpleprogramming and communication through preferred LED light sources orequivalents thereto.

Such embodiments are an improvement over conventional motion detectors,due to the “smart” nature of the optical XCVRs. Rather than waiting fora time delay as is the case with motion detectors, the optical XCVRs(and in some embodiments the optical XCVRs in conjunction with software)in the lighting fixture recognize immediately that the person has movedbeyond a particular light, allowing that particular light to be dimmedor turned off. Also, this smart technology may be used to turn lights ononly for people with the correct code embedded in their name tag. Insuch an embodiment, the user can walk into a restricted area, and if notauthorized to be there, the lights would remain off, and if authorizedthe lights would turn on. Alternatively, a teacher with a name taggrading papers in a classroom, for example, may use the name tag to turnonly the lighting near the teacher's desk at full brightness, whileother lighting in the room remains at a dimmer, more energy efficient,setting.

In other embodiments of the invention, numbers of occupants within aspace may be used not only for anticipating illumination, but also tocontrol operation of other appliances and machinery within the building.Exemplary of this, but not limited thereto, are water and space heatersand coolers, and all other electrical or electrically controllabledevices.

In some embodiments, the name tag may be used to assist emergencypersonnel. For example, if a person with a name tag had anincapacitating emergency condition while walking along a hallway in abuilding with optical XCVRs, as in the embodiments described above, thehallway lighting can be modified to direct emergency workers directly tothe injured person. The lights can be made to flash, change color, orform directional arrows, or sequential directional indicators, orotherwise signify to the emergency personnel the quickest path to theperson.

In addition to energy management, some embodiment of the presentinvention are directed towards security and detection of intruders. Inthe event of an intruder, the present preferred apparatus may be used todetect and locate the intruder. Since the building is dark, in manycases an intruder will rely upon a flashlight to move through thebuilding. Most preferably, the XCVR will detect this unidentified lightsource. Optionally, an attempt will be made through the XCVR tocommunicate with the unidentified light source. A failure to communicatewill indicate an intruder or unauthorized access. In such case, sincethe location of XCVR is known precisely, the location of the intruder isalso known. Further, even as the intruder moves about, so the intruderwill be tracked by virtue of the light emitting from the intruder'sflashlight. When emergency personnel are called to the building, lightsmay be used to guide the emergency personnel to the exact location ofthe intruder. The emergency personnel may not be limited to police. Asmay by now be apparent, ambulance workers as well as police wouldappreciate flashing directional lights because quicker access to anemergency scene could potentially save lives. This custom guidancesystem can include red, white or other suitably colored or illuminatedlights which may be steady or flashing for emergency situations.Corridor lights and/or individual communication badges may be equippedto flash, directing emergency personnel to a desired location or person.

In a further embodiment of the invention, communication badge maycommunicate with prior art screening equipment, such a metal detectors,x-ray machines, drug and explosives sniffers, and other such hardware. Abuilding employing the present invention may incorporate multiple safetyfeatures. Instead of relying on several security guards at severalstations to read badges and monitor each station, a proximity detectormay first detect whether a person is passing through the entrance. Ifso, the adjacent LED light source will query for an appropriate orlegitimate communications badge. Even if detected, if a badge has beenduplicated, preferred logging and verification through software willinstantly identify that the first person is already in the building.Consequently, the presently entering person and person already in thebuilding can both be located, and the intruder identified. As discussedherein above, biometrics may additionally be incorporated, and forexemplary purposes a fingerprint scan or the like may be required toverify identity prior to passing through proximity/badge detector.

Once a valid badge has been detected, a person will continue through asmany additional security checks as may be deemed appropriate, such as ametal detector and drug/explosive sniffer. Rather than requiring thetraditional operator for each station, a single guard will in accordancewith the present teachings often be adequate, so long as appropriateback-up is available on short notice. Because this energy managementsystem requires far fewer human monitors, it provides additional costsaving. A guard would be needed primarily to respond if an alarm werepresent without having to identify several situations. A guard might bestationed only near a metal detector, for example, without having tomonitor other stations. In addition, a more accurate inventory ofpersons, other assets, or substances in a building becomes possible. Animportant safety feature, however, is the greater reliability ofelectronics over personal vigilance.

The present invention also has the capacity to provide low powercommunications for energy management, emergency back-up, security andspecial applications utilizing alternative power sources such asbatteries or solar cells. Since each individual LED light source may beseparately controlled, unnecessary lights may be extinguished in anemergency. Remaining lights may be used to signal emergency routes whichmay be emergency exits, predetermined shelter such as in the event of atornado, safe locations potentially determined in real time in the eventof an intruder or other hazard. The remaining lights may also oralternatively be used to maintain nominal communications channels withinthe building. The signals in such instance may be unable to be carriedthrough power lines, and so may alternatively be implemented through arepeater function from one light to the next to travel entirely througha chain of LED light source.

In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, building lighting may be modulated with time and date stampsor the like. Video recordings made within the space of modulatedillumination will have an optical watermark automatically embeddedtherein. The embedding of such identifiable signals ensures theintegrity of video recordings made under these lights.

Building management in accord with another embodiment of the inventionfurther includes automated secured access control to apparatus such asdoors, drawers, electronic computer operations, cars, thermostats, andany other devices that may be electronically controlled. By means of LEDcommunication, the location of unauthorized devices as well as personscan be tracked or polled by the system. Doors, either locked orunlocked, can be manipulated in response to the location or movement ofthese devices or persons.

If audio and/or video is additionally enabled, either throughcommunications badges or separate wall-mounted devices, the video can beused to capture the last-known conditions of a user or an area. This canbe important in the event a disaster strikes that results in significantdestruction of property or life.

An intelligent audio/visual observation and identification databasesystem may also be coupled to sensors as disposed about a building. Thesystem may then build a database with respect to temperature sensorswithin specific locations, pressure sensors, motion detectors,communications badges, phone number identifiers, sound transducers,and/or smoke or fire detectors. Recorded data as received from varioussensors may be used to build a database for normal parameters andenvironmental conditions for specific zones of a structure forindividual periods of time and dates. A computer may continuouslyreceive readings/data from remote sensors for comparison to thepre-stored or learned data to identify discrepancies therebetween. Inaddition, filtering, flagging and threshold procedures may beimplemented to indicate a threshold discrepancy to signal an officer toinitiate an investigation. The reassignment of priorities and thestorage and recognition of the assigned priorities occurs at thecomputer to automatically recalibrate the assignment of points or flagsfor further comparison to a profile prior to the triggering of a signalrepresentative of a threshold discrepancy.

The intelligent audio/visual observation and identification databasesystem may also be coupled to various infrared or ultraviolet sensors,in addition to the optical sensors incorporated directly into LED lightsource, and used for security/surveillance within a structure to assistin the early identification of an unauthorized individual within asecurity zone or the presence of an intruder without knowledge of theintruder.

The intelligent audio/visual observation and identification databasesystem as coupled to sensors and/or building control systems for abuilding which may be based upon audio, temperature, motion, pressure,phone number identifiers, smoke detectors, fire detectors and firealarms is based upon automatic storage, retrieval and comparison ofobserved/measured data to prerecorded data, in further comparison to thethreshold profile parameters to automatically generate a signal to asurveillance, security, or law enforcement officer.

Security zones which may use intelligent video/audio observation andidentification database system may include, but are not necessarilylimited to, areas such as airports, embassies, hospitals, schools,government buildings, commercial buildings, power plants, chemicalplants, garages, and/or any other location for which the monitoring ofvehicle or individual traffic and/or security is desirable.

An intelligent observation and identification database system may bearranged to learn the expected times for arrival and departure ofindividuals 10 and vehicles from various zones. Each time an individualor vehicle enters or exits a security zone, the system may record in thedatabase the time and location of the arrival or exit. Thus, over time,the system may learn the expected arrival and departure times based uponthe average of predetermined times, such as normal shift times. Thus, ifa vehicle of an individual attempts to enter or exit a zone at a timeother than the learned expected time of entry or exit, the system mayalert security personnel to initiate an investigation.

If a low level tracking priority is assigned to the vehicle orindividual, tracking may be accomplished by recording the location andtime for each instance when the system identifies the vehicle orindividual. Thus, a low level tracking priority may normally generate alog of when and where a vehicle or individual was seen. Over time, thesystem may learn typical paths, times and zones where specific vehiclesand individuals spend their time. The system may then issue an alertwhen a vehicle or individual deviates from their normal path. Forexample, if a person normally may be found on the second floor, and theyoccasionally pass through first floor but have never gone to the fourthfloor, then the system may alert security personnel if the person isidentified by the system on the fourth floor.

Thus, the intelligent audio/visual observation and identificationdatabase system may be coupled to the operational systems for abuilding, such as locking systems for doors, lighting systems, airconditioning systems, and/or heating systems.

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates guidance andcommunications systems. For exemplary purposes, consider the situationwhere a visitor wishes to meet with a regular building occupant. Thevisitor may be guided through any suitable color or intensity patternsuch as but not limited to flashing patterns, color changes or the likein LED light source or other similar fixtures to the location or personthey seek. Further, once within the same building space, the personbeing sought out may further be made conspicuous by similar changes incolor or intensity pattern within the sought-person's communicationbadge, for exemplary purposes either within video display 1500 oroptical transmitter 1300, as shown in FIG. 2B. Once again, such systemcontrol using the RGB LEDs of the present invention is simply a matterof software control.

In those embodiments where audio signaling or communications areenabled, and owing to the exact room position detection afforded by thepresent invention, location specific access intelligence may also beincorporated. As but one example, if a doctor is in a surgical room, thepager may remain silent. Once the doctor exits surgery, then the pagermay be reactivated. This control may be automatic, simply incorporatedinto the programming of the system. As another example, students may usethe preferred communication badge for communications similar to cellulartelephones, including text messaging, voice communications, web access,and so forth. However, upon entering a classroom, communications mightin one embodiment then be disabled, ensuring the students are notdistracted with unauthorized activities. In addition to the foregoing,audio and video communications are possible in accord with lightcommunications in locations and environments where cellular or radiocommunications may be impossible, forbidden, or unreliable, extendingexisting communications systems.

The name tag embodiment need not be restricted to use by people. Thename tag embodiment may be associated with cars, for example. In such anembodiment, the car 205 includes a tag (not shown) that broadcasts aunique code that may either turn street lights 154 on or increase thebrightness of dimly lit street lights, as shown in FIG. 6, similar tothe hallway or room lights described above. There are numerous otherembodiments. For example, such a device may be used to indicate that acar is authorized to enter a restricted area. Or, such a device may beused to pay tolls on highways or pay fees at a parking garage byuniquely identifying the vehicle and the account to be charged.Alternatively, such device may be used to open garage doors.

As stated above, the LEDs may be bi-directional. In at least oneembodiment, the optical XCVR is comprised of bi-directional LEDs. Insuch an embodiment, the optical XCVR is constructed and arranged suchthat at least one of the bi-directional LEDs allows paralleltransmitting and receiving of light signals.

Within the disclosure provided herein, the term “processor” refers to aprocessor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, mainframecomputer or server, or any other device that can execute instructions,perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and write to memory,interface with peripheral devices, etc.

As described herein each, optical XCVR may also include non-volatilememory (FLASHRAM, EEPROM, and EPROM, for example) that may storefirmware for the optical XCVR, as well as text information, audiosignals, video signals, contact information for other users, etc., as iscommon with current cell phones.

In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier is in communicationwith the photodiodes to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVRs and XCVRs within a name tag may includecircuitry that performs modulation, demodulation, data compression, datadecompression, up converting, down converting, coding, interleaving,pulse shaping, and other communication and signal processing techniques,as are known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In at least one embodiment, the name tag of FIG. 2B is embedded with aunique code, similar in principle to the MAC address of a computer, forexample. Thus, every name tag has a unique identifier. The XCVRbroadcasts the unique code at regular intervals, or irregular intervalsif desired. Optical XCVRs located within the user's building and nearthe user may then receive the unique code transmitted by the name tag.

In one embodiment the optical XCVRs of a communication system securitybadge or name tag may be used as an integral portion of an intelligentor artificially intelligent security and identification database systemas utilized within a particular defined security zone or zones. In thisembodiment the security badge or name tag may be used to track theentry, exit and location of individuals, and to identify acceptableprofile parameters for individuals within the security zone.

In one embodiment the optical XCVRs of a user's security badge or nametag communicate with the optical XCVRs. The optical XCVRs may be placedin numerous locations as lighting sources. As shown in FIG. 3, a user isshown with a name tag that is broadcasting and receiving data over anoptical link using the XCVR described in FIG. 1 to a ceiling mountedfixture. The XCVR as integral to a ceiling mounted or other type oflight fixture may in turn be in direct communication with a computer,processor, microprocessor, mainframe computer or server, and/or othercomputing device as earlier described through the use of wire, cable,optically via pulsed light communication, over a Broad Band Power Linesystem or over any other type of communication system.

In one embodiment the intelligent security and database system may beutilized to flag discrepancies related to information accessible andprocessed from a stored and accumulated continuously evolving databaseof information, in order to centrally warn security, surveillance,and/or law enforcement officers as to the existence of a conditionwarranting further investigation.

In one embodiment the intelligent security and identification databasesystem will search and/or screen all security badges or name tags forindividuals entering into a security zone to identify information suchas the name, employment position, employment location, expected hours ofemployment, security clearance for the employee, and expected paths oftravel of the employee within a facility.

In one embodiment the intelligent security and identification databasesystem will record the time, date, and place of entry of an individualhaving a security badge or name tag into, and out of, a secured zone. Inthis embodiment, the recorded information may be compared in real timeto previously recorded conduct or parameters for the individual securitybadge or name tag, to automatically identify discrepancies.Discrepancies which exceed a pre-programmed threshold may be brought tothe attention of security personnel.

In one embodiment the accumulation and storage of information of thetype identified above, will occur within continuously updated andevolving files, to create a database for future reference, to enable lawenforcement, surveillance, and/or security officers to implement profilesearches to identify classes of individuals warranting furtherinvestigation.

In one embodiment a law enforcement, surveillance, and/or securityofficer, desiring to identify individuals within a security zone havinginadequate clearance, would access the accumulated database to inquireas to the identity and location of all individuals within a securityzone. Upon receipt of this inquiry the processor, mainframe computer orserver, associated with the intelligent security and identificationdatabase system may then compare the identified individuals presentwithin the applicable security zone, to the security clearance assignedto each individual, to identify the presence of an individual havinginadequate security clearance.

In one embodiment this process is accomplished by the individualsecurity badge or name tag optical XCVR continuously transmitting apulsed light communication signal for receipt by a series of opticalXCVRs integral to a series of lighting sources, or ceiling mounted lightfixtures, within a building structure. The individual security badge orname tag would transmit through pulsed light communication informationas previously identified as related to an individual's identity,employment occupation, security clearance, and/or primary employmentlocation. In this embodiment, the pulsed light communication signalcould be sequentially detected, received, and tracked by a plurality ofXCVRs which are in continuous communication with the system processor.

In one embodiment a series of XCVRs are in communication with the systemprocessor, mainframe computer or server, through sequential transmissionand receipt of pulsed light communication signals.

In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are in communication with thesystem processor, mainframe computer or server, through the Broad BandOver Power Line Communication System as previously described herein.

In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are in communication with thesystem processor, mainframe computer or server through the use of cable,wire, or other communication media.

In one embodiment, an individual security badge or name tag may beassigned a number which is transmitted within the communication signalto the system processor, mainframe computer or server.

In one embodiment the system processor will continuously record andstore in real time the received pulsed light communication signals forindividual security badges or name tags in one or more system databases,one or more subsystem databases, or individuals specific databases, inorder to establish normal routine parameters for designated locations orareas within a facility. The system processor may be programmed tocompare previously stored data representative of normal routineparameters for a designated location within a facility, to the real timeobserved data for the designated location. The system processorpreferably includes threshold software which may be used to identify anystandard deviations from normal activity occurring within the designatedlocation.

In one embodiment the system processor, mainframe computer or server maycompare individual specific information with information concerning adesignated location, as well as information about employees and/orsupervisors in order to assist in a threshold analysis for indication ofa warning or investigation signal or flag. For example, if an employeeis tracked as accompanying a supervisor into an area where clearance isrequired, and the supervisor is identified as having the appropriateclearance, and the supervisor is identified as having authority toescort an employee not having a designated level of clearance within aparticular zone, then a threshold for identification of requiredinvestigative action may not be met.

In one embodiment the system processor, mainframe computer or server mayidentify individual specific pulsed light communication signals receivedfrom a location outside of an established or normal routine, and outsideof a set level of deviation, for triggering of a investigation advisory.An investigation advisory would issue for a specific location andindividual within a zone or facility.

In one embodiment the communication system may also be used at a checkpoint. Information transmitted from a security badge at a checkpointcould also include motor vehicle information, make, model, and/orlicense plate information for the particular employee. At a facilitycheck point retrieved information could be displayed on a monitor. Thedatabase may also include a photo of the individual associated with thesecurity badge, where all available information could be reviewed by asecurity office prior to entry by into a security zone.

In one embodiment each evolving database and/or mainframe database maybe capable of being continuously updated to include data saved by thecommunication system. Software is preferably loaded onto the computerfor creation of files representative of individuals. Access software maybe used to communicate with internal databases or external or remotedatabases, and comparison software may be used to review data as relatedto the external and/or internal databases.

In one embodiment, sensitivity software is also used to establishthresholds and to issue/trigger investigation signals, which may bedisplayed on the output device or monitor, and category software may beused to divide data within individual files. In addition, any othersoftware as desired by security and/or law enforcement personnel may beutilized.

In one embodiment, the computer may implement either standard orcustomized queries or searches for defined profiles related toindividuals within the accumulated database for the security zone. Uponidentification of individuals which satisfy the profile criteria, acommunication signal will be generated to advise law enforcement,surveillance, or security zone officers as to the status and location ofthe individuals under investigation. The relative location of targetedindividuals may be identified by proximity to one or more XCVRs asintegral to lighting structures. It is anticipated that each XCVR willhave a coded or digitized identification number which corresponds to aspecific location within an overall communication/security plan for afacility. It is anticipated that each transmission of a communicationpulsed light signal will include a code representative of theoriginating XCVR. Optionally additional intermediate XCVRs may add acommunication pulsed light signal code representative of thetransmitting XCVR.

In one embodiment, the computer may initiate an inquiry to locate theidentification code corresponding to a particular individual. In thisembodiment, the computer 22 would transmit a signal outwardly throughthe optically connected XCVRs to request identification of a particularindividual identification code. In one embodiment the inquiry may beglobal, or may be limited to specific periods of time or other specificconditions such as location. In one embodiment each individual XCVR uponreceipt of the command inquiry may forward by pulsed light signals theindividual identification codes of all individuals within a particularlocation, because individual identity codes are being continuouslytransmitted by each individual security badge. In one embodiment theindividual security badge under investigation may beep or generateanother signal to advise the individual that he or she needs to contacta central switchboard for transfer to another individual or for receiptof a message.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database may becoupled to additional identification apparatus or systems including butnot limited to facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, palm printrecognition, voice print recognition, eye scan, and/or signaturerecognition devices/systems which may be coupled to the input devicesfor recording of data to be stored within the system for analysis anddisplay of a monitor.

In one embodiment the communication system including the XCVR may beincorporated into a hand held or portable unit. In some embodiments theportable unit may be clipped onto a belt. In other embodiments thecommunication system may be incorporated into a device such as acellular telephone. In this embodiment the communication system may betransported by a security officer or other designated employee within afacility.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database mayinclude timing and other software which may be used to identify whetheror not a security badge has been stationary for an excessive duration oftime, which in turn would trigger an investigation signal or acommunication signal to the stationary security badge to request anupdate for the status of the individual. The failure of a security badgeto move relative to one or more XCVRs may indicate that a security badgehas been removed by an individual and placed on a surface.Alternatively, the failure of a security badge to move relative to oneor more XCVRs may indicate the existence of a medical problem requiringimmediate attention.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database mayilluminate a pathway on sequential XCVRs representative of the shortestroute to a specific location to assist emergency personnel.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database mayinclude probabilistic analysis software which may be used to assist inthe establishment of threshold levels for issuing a warning orinvestigation signal. In addition the evolving database and/or mainframedatabase may include Principle Component Analysis (PCA) software andEigenvector or Eigenspace decomposition analysis software to assist inthe establishment of thresholds.

In one embodiment upon the detection of any threshold discrepanciesrelated to an individual or security badge, the computer for thecommunication system may issue a flag to a security officer toinvestigate the individual or security badge. The communication systemmay thereby provide enhanced safety to the security zone functioning asa proactive automatic screening system.

In one embodiment the communication system may utilize security badgesin areas such as airports, embassies, hospitals, schools, governmentbuildings, commercial buildings, power plants, chemical plants, garages,and/or any other location for which the monitoring of an individual isdesired.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database maylearn the expected times for arrival and departure of particularindividuals with respect to various zones. Each time an individualenters or exits a security zone, the evolving database and/or mainframedatabase may record in the database the time and location of the arrivalor exit. Thus, over time, the communication system may learn theexpected arrival and departure times based upon the average of apredetermined number of instances, or by the most common of a range ofpredetermined times, such as normal shift times. Thus, if an individualattempts to enter or exit a zone at a time other than the learnedexpected time of entry or exit, the evolving database and/or mainframedatabase may alert security personnel to initiate an investigation.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database may beprogrammed to assign a point system or flag upon the recognition ofcertain data and/or profile characteristics relative to an individualwearing a security badge. In one embodiment the computer will recordand/or track the number of points or flags assigned to a particularindividual. When a certain number of flags and/or points have beenassigned, then the computer will emit or issue a signal to an officer,which may be ranked against other tasks in order of importance. Thecomputer may store any information or data collected pertaining to thetask, as well as the instruction for the task itself in the database.

Over time, in one embodiment the communication system may learn typicalpaths, times and areas where specific individuals spend their time. Thecommunication system may then issue an alert when an individual deviatesfrom an authorized area into an unauthorized zone. For example, if aperson normally may be found on second floor, and the personoccasionally passes through first floor, but have never gone to thefourth floor, then the communication system may alert security personnelif the person is identified as being present on fourth floor. Thepresence of the individual will be detected on the fourth floor due tothe continuous emission of a signal as generated from the securitybadge, and as detected by an XCVR have a location address identified asbeing on the fourth floor. The XCVR detecting the pulsed light signalform the security badge issues a transmission for passage through anumber of optically connected XCVRs for processing and storage at theevolving database and/or mainframe database of the processor.

In one embodiment, if a high level tracking priority is assigned to anindividual, then continuous active tracking via software analysis ofsignals received by and as generated from a plurality of XCVRs isdesirable. As such, the system may continually pinpoint the zone, andeven the exact location of a person 56 within the zone.

In one embodiment, the evolving database and/or mainframe database maylearn and recognize repetitive patterns within the accumulated database.Therefore, the computer may assess a low query priority to repetitiveand/or regular patterns, and implement a more expedited search relatedto non-regular pattern data as stored within the accumulated database.Any parameters may be selected for the recognition of patterns within asecurity zone dependent upon individual environmental conditions andcustomized needs at each independent security zone. For example, sixdays of repetitive actions may be required to establish a regularpattern of conduct within a first security zone 50 where two months ofrepetitive conduct may be required to establish a regular pattern withina second security zone.

In one embodiment, during pattern learning, the computer sensitivity maybe established by the initial creation of a file and/or data pertainingto an individual. Next, the input of a desired amount of datarepresentative of repeated actions may be required. The number or amountof data may represent repetitive occurrences. The occurrences may berequired to be within a certain classification, such as all within acertain zone, or all within a certain period of time during the day,such as between 3 and 4 o'clock p.m. The computer may then calculate amean value based upon the recorded data. Alternatively, the recordeddata may be divided into more than one segment and a mean may becalculated for each desired segment. The computer will generallycontinue to store data, and therefore update the pattern, as detected bythe XCVRs. The computer is preferably designed to recalculate a mean forthe data following each additional data entry. The computer may includesensitivity trigger software which as earlier described will identify adesired threshold deviation from the calculated mean, which may be moreor less than one standard deviation from the calculated mean.Alternatively, the sensitivity trigger may be established at a certainpercentage for deviation from the calculated mean. The computercontinually compares the observed occurrence information to thecalculated mean data to determine if investigation signals are requiredto be communicated to law enforcement and/or security officers. In thisrespect, the computer is engaged in updating activities becomes smarterand more efficient in analyzing risk situations over time.

In one embodiment the communication system is preferably proactive andis continuously screening and comparing data being input from the XCVRsfor comparison to the previously stored records within the accumulateddatabase.

In addition to being directed to the embodiments described above andclaimed below, the present invention is further directed to embodimentshaving different combinations of the features described above andclaimed below. As such, the invention is also directed to otherembodiments having any other possible combination of the dependentfeatures claimed below.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An LED light and communication system comprising:at least one optical transceiver comprising at least one identifier, theoptical transceiver further comprising: a light support having at leastone light emitting diode and at least one photodetector attachedthereto, said at least one light emitting diode generating light asillumination; and a processor in communication with the at least onelight emitting diode and the at least one photodetector, the processorconstructed and arranged to generate a communication signal embeddedwithin said illumination, said processor comprising signal recognitionsoftware, said signal recognition software being constructed andarranged to calculate proximity of at least one signal, wherein the atleast one optical transceiver is engaged to a lighting fixture within abuilding and wherein said communication signal does not harm eyes of anindividual.
 20. The LED light and communication system of claim 19,further comprising a name tag.
 21. The LED light and communicationsystem of claim 20, wherein the name tag comprises at least one opticaltransceiver.
 22. The LED light and communication system of claim 21,wherein the name tag includes a unique identifier.
 23. The LED light andcommunication system of claim 22, wherein the unique identifier isstored in non-volatile memory.
 24. The LED light and communicationsystem of claim 19, said processor further comprising device activationpriority data.
 25. The LED light and communication system of claim 19,wherein said signal recognition software is further constructed andarranged to regulate said light.
 26. The LED light and communicationsystem of claim 25, said regulation of light comprising variableillumination of said at least one light emitting diode.
 27. The LEDlight and communication system of claim 19, said signal recognitionsoftware being constructed and arranged to activate upon receipt of atleast one accepted code transmitted from at least one of said opticaltransceivers.
 28. The LED light and communication system of claim 21,said signal recognition software being constructed and arranged toactivate upon receipt of at least one accepted code transmitted from atleast one of said optical transceivers.
 29. The LED light andcommunication system of claim 19, said signal recognition software beingconstructed and arranged to issue at least one security action.
 30. TheLED light and communication system of claim 29, said security actionbeing selected from the group consisting of location identification,illumination detection, illumination regulation, signal generation,tracking, guidance, regulating door access, regulating drawer access,regulating computer access, regulating vehicle access, and regulatingthermostats and combinations thereof.
 31. The LED light andcommunication system of claim 19, further comprising an intelligentaudio/visual observation and identification database system incommunication with said LED light and communication system.